Head-to-Head Comparison
Fairfield University vs George Mason University
- Fairfield Wins
- 16
- Tied
- 13
- George Mason Wins
- 25
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, George Mason University offers a significantly safer investment tier. While Fairfield University achieves a higher graduation rate (84% vs 69%), its annual cost of attendance sits at $48,095 compared to George Mason University's $17,915 for in-state paths. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, George Mason University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Fairfield
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $88,794 ten years after enrollment, 16% more than George Mason University
- Higher grad rate: 84% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- More selective: Admits 33% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
George Mason
- Lower cost: Average net price of $17,915, roughly $30,180 a year less
- Less debt: Median debt of $19,500, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 3.1%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Fairfield graduates concentrate in Business & Marketing (41% of degrees); George Mason in Business & Marketing (18%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Fairfield University over George Mason University. Median earnings of $88,794 ten years after enrollment vs $76,343.
Pick George Mason University over Fairfield University. Net price $17,915 vs $48,095.
Pick George Mason University over Fairfield University. 3.1% mobility rate vs 1.6%.
Pick Fairfield University over George Mason University. 84% completion rate vs 69%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Fairfield University and George Mason University split the core measures almost evenly. Neither comes out a clean winner, so the choice rests on which of these dimensions you care about most.
Getting in
Fairfield University is the harder admit. It takes 33% of applicants, while George Mason University takes 87%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,335 to 1,274.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Fairfield University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, George Mason University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $17,915, about $30,180 a year below Fairfield University's $48,095. Graduates of George Mason University also borrow less: median debt of $19,500, against $26,000.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $120,720 before any change in aid. Choosing George Mason University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Fairfield University graduates report median earnings of $88,794, compared with $76,343 at George Mason University. That is a 16% advantage. Set against borrowing, George Mason University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.26x to 0.29x.
So what: An earnings gap of 16% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Fairfield University graduates a larger share of its students, 84% versus 69%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 16% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
George Mason University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 3.1%; at Fairfield University, it is 1.6%. George Mason University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 6.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 2.5%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, George Mason University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick George Mason University to keep costs and debt down; pick Fairfield University for the higher earnings ceiling.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
The cheaper school is not the lower-earning one here. George Mason University saves about $30,180 a year, yet Fairfield University graduates earn $12,451 more ten years after enrollment. The cost advantage and the earnings premium sit at different schools, so your time horizon decides which counts more.
Fairfield University is harder to get into, with a 33% admit rate, but George Mason University posts the higher mobility rate, at 3.1%. Selectivity and income mobility measure different things; here, the easier admit does more for the low-income students it enrolls.
Their academic identities diverge. Fairfield University concentrates enrollment in Health Professions, Communications, while George Mason University leans toward Computer Science & IT, Criminal Justice. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $48,095 runs well above George Mason University's $17,915.
- Students minimizing debt: median debt is $26,000, against $19,500 at George Mason University.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Fairfield University's enrollment, and George Mason University is stronger here.
- Students who want a smaller campus: George Mason University's enrollment of 27,752 far exceeds Fairfield University's 5,373.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Fairfield holds onto its admits more tightly: 24% of admitted students enroll, versus 20% at George Mason — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Fairfield offers a binding Early Decision round that can lift your odds; George Mason does not, so there is no early-commitment lever to pull there.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Fairfield University
Fairfield, CT · Private nonprofit
Fairfield University has an impressive graduation rate of 84%, indicating that most students successfully complete their degrees. This high rate suggests a strong support system and engaged faculty, which helps students navigate their academic journey.
According to Opportunity Insights data, Fairfield's graduates earn a median income of $88,794 ten years after enrollment. This figure points to the university’s effectiveness in preparing students for the job market, particularly in fields like Business, Health Professions, and Communications. While the Pell Grant rate stands at 7%, indicating limited access for low-income students, the potential for upward mobility remains significant for those who do enroll.
The cost of attending Fairfield is notable, with a net price of $48,095 and a median debt of $26,000. Students who thrive here are often those pursuing careers in high-demand sectors, leveraging the university's strong programs in Business and Health Professions. Graduates leave with solid earning potential, which helps to mitigate the financial burden of their education.
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA · Public
With an enrollment of over 27,000 students, George Mason University is a solid choice for those looking for a diverse and accessible educational environment. The school has an acceptance rate of 87%, making it a fitting option for students who want to further their education without the pressure of highly competitive admissions. Popular areas of study include Business & Marketing, Computer Science & IT, Criminal Justice, Health Professions, and Social Sciences, catering to a wide range of interests and career aspirations.
Looking at life after graduation, the average earnings for alumni 10 years out is $76,343. That’s a good benchmark for understanding potential financial outcomes. While the graduation rate sits at 69%, many graduates find themselves on solid career paths, especially in fields like health and technology. Affordability plays a role here too, with a net price of about $17,915 after aid, which can help keep student debt manageable.
When it comes to financial responsibility, students at George Mason typically graduate with a median debt of $19,500, which is relatively low compared to national averages. This balance of cost and potential earnings suggests that those who thrive here are often motivated, career-oriented individuals focused on practical degrees. With its supportive community and strong academic programs, George Mason University positions students well for a successful future.
Rankings They Appear On
Fairfield University is featured on the Best Business Colleges in Connecticut ranking.
Top Degree Programs
Both schools share Business Administration as their top enrolled program field, comprising 41% of Fairfield's student body and 18% of George Mason's.
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant (for Fairfield) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for George Mason).
The two schools feed different job markets. Fairfield University is strongest in Health Professions, Communications, Psychology, while George Mason University concentrates in Computer Science & IT, Criminal Justice, Social Sciences. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Fairfield University or George Mason University?
Fairfield University is harder to get into, admitting 33% of applicants compared with 87% at George Mason University.
Which is more affordable, Fairfield University or George Mason University?
George Mason University is more affordable, with an average net price of $17,915 after aid versus $48,095 at Fairfield University.
Do Fairfield University or George Mason University graduates earn more?
Fairfield University graduates earn more: median earnings of $88,794 ten years after enrollment, versus $76,343 at George Mason University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Fairfield University or George Mason University?
Fairfield University has the higher graduation rate, 84% versus 69%.
Fairfield University vs George Mason University: which is better for social mobility?
George Mason University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 3.1% versus 1.6%.
Should you choose Fairfield University or George Mason University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose George Mason University if affordability and lower debt come first; choose Fairfield University if you're optimizing for post-grad earnings. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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